Instagram/Luke Bryan & Willie Spenc Music Luke Bryan shares heartfelt regret over Willie Spence's passing. Read the American Idol judge's emotional tribute to the late, talented singer. March 10, 2026 AceShowbiz - Luke Bryan recently shared heartfelt thoughts about the late Willie Spence, the talented American Idol contestant who tragically passed away in 2022. During an in-depth interview with Billboard, joined by Ryan Seacrest and fellow judges Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood, the panel was asked what they would change if they could revisit their time on American Idol.